The retrieval squad had been assembled.
Without delay, they departed at full speed.
Based purely on distance and the reconnaissance estimates regarding the strength of Orochimaru's Sound Four, the probability of Naruto's unit successfully intercepting them was extremely low. The Sound Four were not ordinary shinobi, they were Orochimaru's elite subordinates, each capable of activating the second stage of the Cursed Seal. In direct confrontation, even seasoned chūnin would struggle.
However
This was still the Land of Fire.
Konohagakure's sphere of influence.
Before Shizune had even summoned Naruto and Shikamaru, Tsunade had already issued covert directives to all Konoha-affiliated patrol units stationed across the southeastern corridor of the country.
The orders were precise:
Layered surveillance.
Regional containment.
Chokepoint monitoring.
While these units were not authorized to abandon their assigned defensive perimeters in pursuit, they were instructed to increase visible activity, tighten patrol cycles, and conduct area sweeps along primary travel routes.
This created pressure.
The Sound Four could not risk moving along the shortest and most direct route toward the border. Doing so would increase the likelihood of exposure and delay.
Instead, they were forced to take indirect paths woodland detours, terrain-shielded routes, riverbank traversal.
Concealment required caution.
Caution required time.
Time shortened the gap.
Without this strategic interference, whether in the original timeline or this altered one, Naruto and his squad would have had virtually no chance of catching up.
Simultaneously
In the western sector of the Land of Fire, Hatake Kakashi received Tsunade's emergency transmission via encoded messenger hawk.
Unlike the phrasing used in Naruto's presence, the Hokage's dispatch to Kakashi contained the unfiltered assessment.
Sasuke had left the village voluntarily.
Accompanied by Otogakure operatives.
"What…?"
Kakashi's visible eye narrowed sharply.
"Sasuke defected?"
Shock was evident beneath his composed exterior.
Two members of Team Seven.
Both possessing extraordinary bloodlines or chakra potential.
Both gone.
The timing was devastating.
"Hatake-senpai," the stationed Konoha jōnin reported firmly, "this is an urgent Hokage directive. You are to disengage and return immediately."
Kakashi folded the scroll.
"I understand."
There was no hesitation.
"Transfer mission oversight to the local squad. I'll proceed alone."
"Yes, sir."
In a blur of movement, Kakashi vanished, heading northeast at high speed.
If calculations were correct, he could intercept Naruto's squad before they crossed into the border zone.
With sufficient luck
He might even overtake the Sound Four before they reached the Valley of the End's vicinity.
But such timing would require precision.
Elsewhere
Far beyond Konoha's borders.
In the southeastern reaches of the Land of Grass, concealed beneath layers of forest and rock, lay one of Orochimaru's hidden bases.
This facility was neither Otogakure's public stronghold nor a minor satellite laboratory.
It was one of Orochimaru's principal experimental compounds.
Deep underground.
Heavily sealed.
Within one of the inner laboratories
Menma paused mid-experiment.
The air shifted.
He sensed a familiar chakra signature approaching.
He lifted his gaze calmly.
"You're punctual, Karin."
Karin stepped into the chamber, red hair swaying lightly as she closed the door behind her.
"It's time. Orochimaru-sama is ready."
Menma set down the instruments in his hands.
Time passed quickly when immersed in anatomical research.
Under Orochimaru's guidance, Menma's understanding of human physiology and chakra pathways had deepened significantly. The manipulation of cellular regeneration, chakra infusion tolerances, and genetic compatibility thresholds had moved from theory toward application.
Yet he was not pioneering new territory.
He was walking a path Orochimaru had carved long ago.
And that path led into dangerous waters.
Still
If he could stabilize the methodology, if he could refine the balance between physical enhancement and chakra output
He believed he could elevate his combat capability to a level where reliance on the Nine-Tails' chakra would no longer be necessary against opponents of Kage-class caliber.
That was both strategic and personal.
"I won't miss something this important," Menma said lightly.
Orochimaru had already delivered on his end of their arrangement
advanced materials, research access, experimental data that exceeded Menma's expectations.
Reciprocity mattered.
Karin hesitated.
"Are you sure you don't want me to come? I can provide sensory coverage… and medical support."
Her voice was steady, but the undertone was unmistakable.
Dependence.
Insecurity.
Since arriving at the base, Karin had gradually anchored herself around Menma's presence. Compared to Orochimaru's cold detachment and Kabuto's unreadable composure, Menma was stability.
Menma stepped closer and placed a hand gently atop her head.
"Not this time."
His tone was calm.
"There are final calibration steps in the regeneration trial. I need you here to oversee them. Precision matters."
He met her eyes.
"I'll be gone two days at most."
This base was under Orochimaru's direct supervision.
Unless the Sannin had already chosen open hostility which was unlikely given current mutual benefit Karin's safety was assured.
"And keep monitoring Orochimaru-sama's condition," Menma added. "You noticed it too."
Karin nodded immediately.
"Yes. His chakra flow is unstable."
The vessel was deteriorating.
Menma had sensed it days ago.
The suppression rate was declining.
Cellular rejection was accelerating.
"Good," he said. "Stay alert."
With that
Menma vanished from the chamber in a flicker of movement, heading toward the deeper sector of the base.
Not long after
Orochimaru received word of Menma's approach.
"Heh… how diligent."
His voice was softer than usual.
A faint rasp lingered beneath the amusement.
In the dim chamber, his complexion was noticeably paler.
Fine cracks of stress lined the skin near his collarbone.
The vessel was failing.
The current body had reached its tolerance limit.
Even with suppressive seals and medical intervention, the rejection cycle could no longer be postponed.
Kabuto stood nearby, glasses reflecting the low light.
"Preparations are complete, Orochimaru-sama."
Orochimaru's golden eyes narrowed slightly.
"Kabuto…"
He exhaled slowly.
"Begin the preparations for Fushi Tensei."
The Living Corpse Reincarnation.
Transfer of consciousness.
Acquisition of a new vessel.
This body
Had reached its end.
And time
Was running out.